Experience some epic riding on a variety of terrain
Spend the penultimate day riding this fantastic track in the Marlborough Sounds
Each day brings a host of diversity but always superb views
Bike your way over some of NZ's most spectacular landscapes
Challenge yourself through a variety of terrains and over some narrow bridges

South Island Mountain Biking Getaway

Duration
10 days
Site savings
$51
From
$2,484 USD

Join an epic ten-day mountain biking adventure with transfers from Christchurch to Queenstown to start the riding in the MTB mecca of NZ and finish up in the awesome Marlborough Sounds. This ten-day off-road tour begins in the Queenstown and Wanaka Lakes district of the South Island and is full of adventure, challenge and excitement for the intermediate to experienced mountain biker.

  • Category
    Mountain Biking
  • Type
    Fully Guided
  • Duration
    10 days
  • Culture Level
    Familiar
  • Skill Level
    3 - Intermediate
  • Activity Level
    4 - Challenging
  • Elevation
    3 - Intermediate
  • Terrain
    Mixed
Best Price Guarantee
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Quick Stats

  • Duration
    10 days
  • Main Destination
    South Island
  • Elevation
    3 - Intermediate
  • Terrain
    Mixed

Itinerary Details

  1. Day 1Christchurch to Queenstown

    The tour operator will pick you up from the Christchurch airport or you can make your way directly to the tour hotel in Queenstown. You will be based in Queenstown for the next three nights in an ideal spot just outside the CBD, close to the Botanic Gardens, bars, cafes, and restaurants.

    • Accommodation in Queenstown
  2. Day 2Queenstown to Moke Lake

    This morning you will follow the road to the scenic settlement of Glenorchy, en route to the single trail to Moke Lake. Within an hour the hustle and bustle of Queenstown is left behind as you ride through a typical Otago mountain landscape. The loop trail around the small mountain lake is not too hard, with great picnic spots around. The return back down via another small lake is still all G2-3. On the way back into town, there are various options to sample the single trails at 7 Mile Bike Park. This is a true ‘big kids’ play area. Enjoy!

    Trails: 50km R+GR+ST+4WD. Various XC loop G2-3 and G4(5) options in MTB Park

    • 31.1 miles
    • Accommodation in Queenstown
    • Breakfast and Lunch
  3. Day 3Queenstown (Rest Day)

    The tour operator has set aside a full day for you to enjoy the vast array of activities in Queenstown, be it a plane trip to the world famous Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound, or an adrenaline-fuelled adventure with some of the local experts. There is so much to choose from — talk to your guide for booking recommendations. If you’re feeling energetic, it’s simple to explore the Queenstown Trail Network by yourself: just head out via the ‘Frankton Arm’ and around the lakeshore to Jack’s Point. It is a great 25 km (15.5 mi) warm-up on a mix of undulating gravel roads and single trails, in an absolutely stunning location. Choose to bike home via the same route, or continue exploring.

    Optional Trails: 25 km, ST G2, 3:30 hrs — return trip would be 51 km). No guided biking, however individual riding possible.

    • Accommodation in Queenstown
    • Breakfast
  4. Day 4Queenstown via Pisa Range to Wanaka

    A big day out awaits, including a mighty downhill from the top of the Pisa Range into the Clutha River Valley (approx. 800 m/2624 ft vertically). It is partly over a private sheep and cattle station and is a truly unique backcountry experience. The day starts with a drive up to the Snowfarm XC-skiing area. From the lodge, you will climb up to Mt Pisa for a stunning view before descending on rugged 4WD tracks to the pretty township of Luggate for lunch. You can choose to finish your day’s ride here or cycle the 12 km (7.5 mi) Clutha River trail to Albert Town followed by another 12 km (7.5 mi) along the Outlet Track around the shore of Lake Wanaka into the lakeside resort town — your home for the next two nights. This evening, you can relax in the charming atmosphere of the resort. This track is not always available as it crosses private land, so there may be alternative rides on this day in the same area. There are plenty of them.

    Trails: 40 km (24.8 mi) XC G2–3, 5:00 hrs to Albert Town (+ extra ride 24 km/15 mi, 1:30 hrs)

    • 24.9 miles
    • Resort in Wanaka
    • Breakfast and Lunch
  5. Day 5Wanaka to Clyde

    A ‘fun ride’ today, with great tracks for all levels of rider! You will head back out along the shores of Lake Wanaka to the Clutha River outlet from where you can start climbing up into the Sticky Forest. This much-loved network of trails makes great use of the exotic pine forest close to the township, with over 20 tracks to choose from including some technical switchbacks. After a picnic lunch, you will continue your fun riding around Albert Town on the eastern side of the lake, before ending up at the Albert Town Tavern or a café along the Wanaka waterfront. The 11 km (6.8 mi) ST-dream around the Deans Bank Loop at the outflow of the Clutha River from Lake Wanaka MUST be specifically mentioned here. If you ride nothing today, then at least give this a shot. The tour operator has yet to meet an MTB-rider who did not like this bit of single trail.

    • 27.3 miles
    • Resort in Wanaka
    • Breakfast and Lunch
  6. Day 6Wanaka to Hokitika

    Today, the cranks will be not be spinning. This is a scenic transfer day up the West Coast, one of the least populous and most remote parts of the country, and arguably the most beautiful. The journey takes you alongside Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, first through the arid countryside, followed by dense rainforest on the border of Mount Aspiring National Park. After a short walk through beech forest at Haast Pass, you will continue to the township of Fox Glacier and/or Franz Josef, depending on time. High mountains and the sea are close together. Here you could walk to the glacier face, or there may be time for an optional scenic helicopter flight over the glaciers. You will have your lunch break in Fox or Franz, before continuing to the historic beachside town of Hokitika, set near the Hokitika river mouth, and founded on gold mining in the 1800s. There may be time to visit a greenstone factory, where you can buy locally-made jade carvings and jewellery at reasonable prices. The West Coast is rich in this treasured stone, and the South Island — Te Wai Pounamu — is named for it.

    • Accommodation in Hokitika
    • Breakfast
  7. Day 7Hokitika

    A day on the Coast, and the chance of an easy, very scenic ride along one of the great new bike trails that are now throughout the country. The most scenic section of the West Coast Wilderness Trail entails a 30 km (18.6 mi) bus transfer to the tiny settlement of Kumara, followed by a 46-58 km (28-36 mi) ride over a gently built gravel bike trail and a section of gravel road back around to Lake Kaniere. This old glacial lake is nestled in the mountains of the Hokitika backcountry about 20 km (12.4 mi) out of town. From here you can cycle back to your accommodation, or take the bus back, or on to the local mountain bike park: Blue Spur. The park, on a hill just outside Hokitika, has been established Kiwi-style in a pine plantation by the local MTB club. Expect some gnarly track sections here, and in the wet, you better hold onto your seat — when it rains here, it really rains! This evening you have time to wander Hokitika’s beach, just a stroll from the centre of town. There is nothing between you and the sun sinking into the Tasman Sea — given the right weather, West Coast sunsets are spectacular.

    Trails: 46-58 km CT G2(3) + GR (West Coast Wilderness Trail) or 17+km ST G3/4 (5), 2:30 hrs, (Blue Spur MTB Tracks)

    • Accommodation in Hokitika
    • Breakfast
  8. Day 8Hokitika to Picton

    After breakfast, you will begin a long but very beautiful bus journey of 420 km (260 mi) to Picton. The rugged West Coast landscapes are just stunning, and there will be a stop to visit Punakaiki, set by rainforest on a wild section of coastline. It’s a natural wonder, known for its unique ‘pancake rocks’ — layered limestone formations, with vertical blowholes. When the tides are right, the sea surges in and sprays. There will be time for a walk. Heading north and inland you’ll also stop at the alpine village of St. Arnaud, to stretch your legs there. Unfortunately, there’s no time for cycling today, but that will be made up for tomorrow, with a stunning day in the Marlborough Sounds. Once you arrive in the port town of Picton you will stay close to the harbour in cycling distance to the marina, so you can launch easily into tomorrow’s adventure. The hotel will be used as a base to explore this beautiful area over the next day.

    • Hotel in Picton
    • Breakfast
  9. Day 9Picton (Queen Charlotte Track)

    A long and exciting day awaits you. After breakfast, you will ride into the Marina, and an hour-long water taxi ride takes you out through the picturesque, tree-lined Queen Charlotte Sound to Ship Cove (or Resolution Bay). The guides will pick a part of the trail to ride today, according to the group’s skill levels. This single trail takes you along the amazing coastline through dense forest where you will be escorted by numerous songbirds. After a good warm-up ride and a refuelling stop, a challenging afternoon lies ahead. You will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Marlborough Sounds as you bike the single trail back to Portage, a small settlement by a sparkling bay. The last section of the Queen Charlotte Track is as beautiful as the first. You will bike from lush green coastal forest over mountain ridges, where you again have magnificent views. There are two options available to suit different riders. The last section of the trail from Te Mahia Saddle to Anakiwa is a pleasure to ride for mountain bikers of all skills. From the trailhead in Anakiwa, after a hearty picnic lunch, you’ll pack the bikes and drive back to Picton. The evening is yours to spend in this pretty town... stroll along the waterfront or the Marina, and discover the wide range of restaurants and cafes at your leisure.

    Trails: various STs, G3

    • Hotel in Picton
    • Breakfast and Lunch
  10. Day 10Picton Departure Day

    Today you will say goodbye to your tour mates, and hei konei rā to New Zealand.

    • Breakfast